“The tremendous outpouring of support we’ve received from the public has been both humbling and overwhelming,” says the Waldorf creative team’s Ernesto Gomez. On Twitter, #Waldorf has been trending across Canada and independently-started online petitions have amassed over 11,000 signatures.

“At present time we are working with Mayor Robertson and the City of Vancouver to protect the Waldorf Hotel,” says Gomez. The City Manager will present a report at this Tuesday’s council meeting that would preserve its heritage values and prevent any demolition of the building. Steps are being taken to allow Waldorf Productions to continue running an arts and culture venue in Vancouver, whether it be in the current location, or, in the worst result, somewhere else.

Yesterday afternoon, Gerry Nichele, CEO of the Solterra Group released a statement regarding their recent agreement to purchase the Waldorf Hotel. To date, the Delta-based condominium developer has refused to meet with the Waldorf’s creative team.

In Solterra’s release, Nichele claims the company has “no intention of demolishing the Waldorf Hotel” and that they intend to work with the city to “improve the hotel.”

“The heritage preservation of the hotel is important to us but this massive public reaction is about the destruction of a beloved cultural institution. The creative community of Vancouver is galvanized in its overwhelming support for Waldorf Productions and its creative team,” says Gomez.

“We’re in it for the long haul,” he continues. “Sixty people have lost their jobs, countless artists, musicians, and independent entrepreneurs are being displaced and the city is losing one of its most beloved institutions. We are in discussions with the current landlord and we are hopeful that Solterra will respond to this watershed moment in a constructive manner.”

Apparently so, Kilaueakyd. According to Waldorf website, the creative team that has been running the place (the ones who did the reno in 2010) are moving their assets out and vacating the premises on Monday. So the hotel will be closed this summer unless the current owner decides to open it until the new owner (the condo developer) takes possession in September (which seems unlikely, but who knows?)

The condo company has stated they're going to retain the building, but who knows what shape that will take - sports bar? ultra lounge?
_________________-Sweet Daddy T.
Because crap doesn't buy itself.

What's going on with the WALDORF? On their site they still list "Our famous Tahitian Lounge, Polynesian Cabaret Room and Menehune Room are available for private functions and parties." Is it worth a visit to see if I can have a peek around? Are the Leetegs still there?

And of this bit found in an article. Is this bar up and running?
"Other Tiki enthusiasts in Vancouver may be relieved to know that Ms. Schaub and her husband are opening a Tiki bar of their own next month on Main Street."

Typical: When the first swelling of public protest appears, the local politicians and the developer pretend to "be sensitive" to the public outcry and act like things are being reconsidered, then the developer just sits and waits, draws out the process, makes impossible demands, and when the media's attention has moved on to the other things, -BAM!- they proceed with their initial plan like nothing ever happened.

On 2013-03-07 05:31, galtiki wrote:Heading to VANCOUVER, BC next week.

What's going on with the WALDORF? On their site they still list "Our famous Tahitian Lounge, Polynesian Cabaret Room and Menehune Room are available for private functions and parties." Is it worth a visit to see if I can have a peek around? Are the Leetegs still there?

And of this bit found in an article. Is this bar up and running?
"Other Tiki enthusiasts in Vancouver may be relieved to know that Ms. Schaub and her husband are opening a Tiki bar of their own next month on Main Street."